The future of the NFL could be robotic machines.
So much so that the Green Bay Packers recently added Monarc’s slick new Jugs machine, capable of throwing and kicking soccer balls as well as a professional player, to preseason practice.
The computerized system is capable of throwing balls for a defender just as well as someone like Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins can throw, a Monarc staffer said as an example of the technology:
The Jugs machine made its debut in the 1970s and immediately helped players who wanted to practice catching reps.
Receiver Emmanuel Sanders recalls catching “thousands and thousands and thousands” of balls over the machine. “It was definitely key to my success,” he added.
Here’s what a Jugs machine actually does and what it’s used for in the NFL:
How fast does a Jugs machine release a soccer ball?
The jug machine can throw or kick a soccer ball at up to 70 miles per hour.
How far does a Jugs machine release a football?
The jug machine can accurately throw or kick a soccer ball from five to 80 yards and can rotate 360 degrees for passing practice.
How many soccer balls can a Jugs machine release?
The jug machine can throw up to 600 passes or kicks per hour.
What is a Jugs machine used for?
The jug machine is great for running backs, wide receivers and tight ends to get plenty of practice catching the ball.
The jug machine can also step into exactly any spot and acts as a great mechanism for players to quickly learn their tasks.
Defensive backs and linebackers can participate in various reaction and zone coverage drills without the need for the team’s quarterback to be present.
Finally, the punter and field goal kicker can get plenty of snap practice.
Is there anything similar to the Jugs machine?
Say hello to The Seeker – Monarc’s robot quarterback, kicker and punter.
The Kansas Football program on July 28 announced the addition of on-field technology as a “valuable resource at its disposal”.
The Jayhawks will be joined by the Packers, who on Monday will become the first NFL team to incorporate cutting-edge technology into their programs.
The Seeker gives players the ability to train alone and score extra reps year-round to mimic a game-like situation.
The Seeker can release a football at up to 75 miles per hour.
